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Itinerary n. 3 •
Following the river, the history and the adventure S. Antimo
(S. Antimo - S. Pio Loreto
- Ripa - Bagno Vignoni)
livello max. m. 409 - livello min. m. 196
Roads: From S.Antimo to Bagno Vignoni on field- paths of farms This
itinerary is one of the best known hiking routes among European
hikers, but is quite tiring and for a bit of the trail quite strenuous.
This hiking route traces an ancient mediaeval road, which was once
used by S.Caterina and Charlemagne. Begin the hike at Castelnuovo
Abate and walk in the direction of S.Pio Loreto. S.Pio
Loreto was once a Sienese fortress and is owadays a farm. The landscape
around here is indeed picturesque. From here you walk down to the
valley where the two rivers, the Orcia and the Asso, meet Once you
have crossed the ford, situated in a wild area, you have to climb
steeply uphill towards the farm of Caggiolo. The surroundings are
very interesting. Walking though the woods you will come dose to
the beautiful castle of Castello della Ripa with its stupendous
rocky gorge. Ripa is a mediaeval castle of great character. In the
XIII century castle was owned by the Salimbeni and only in the XV
century did the Sienese claim victory over this rebellious feudal,
which was nearly inaccessible to its enemies. During  the
same century the castle came into the possession of the Piccolornini.
From here you have to walk uphill for a bit on the municipal road
and then turn right on the ancient road which will take you to the
locality Mulina. In front of the ancient mill you can still recognize
the ruins of a bridge, destroyed by the flood in the XVIII century.
From Mulina, following the path leading uphill, you will reach Bagno
Vignoni. Bagno Vignoni is a beautiful hamlet well known forits thermal
waters. The village was already well known in the Etruscan age and
was visited by S.Caterina of Siena and Lorenzo dei Medici. passo
passo. |
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